Rodgers, the Chelsea youth team manager during the reign of current Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, has enhanced the esteem Swansea are held in since taking over in July 2010.

The Liberty Stadium side grabbed third spot in the Championship, with a goal difference of 27 that is second only to champions Queen's Park Rangers.

"No one would have predicted we'd be in this position, everyone talked about at least a dozen other teams to be involved at the top end," Rodgers added.

"But for us to finish third is a magnificent achievement and puts us in good form and a good position to go on now.

"These are different sorts of games but we're looking forward to it."

While Swansea hope to win through to the riches of the Premier League, with first Forest and then either Reading or Cardiff City to overcome, Swansea may yet challenge QPR's right to automatic promotion.